Witnesses describe victim’s trauma in Reykholt attack trial

Employers, a psychologist and police officers gave evidence on Monday as the main hearing in the Reykholt case continued at South Iceland District Court, mbl.is reported.

The victim’s employer described how she and her husband noticed unusual behaviour from Sigurður Gunnar Ásgeirsson in Reykholt after the weekend when the alleged attack took place. They went to his home after the victim failed to show up for work on the following Monday.

She said Sigurður appeared evasive and unlike himself, and claimed he had not heard from the victim since Friday. She immediately suspected he was lying and wanted to call the police.

The couple later contacted the victim’s daughter in Malta and the police. It subsequently emerged that the victim was in hospital in Malta with serious injuries.

The employer also said Sigurður had wanted the victim to leave the property as a tenant. Under the rental agreement, however, the victim was entitled to three months’ notice. Her husband had therefore been helping him find new accommodation. The victim had also been frightened after Andri Már Mortensen Birgisson came to his home alone shortly before the alleged attack.

A psychologist who provided trauma support to the victim after the attack also testified. The psychologist described his condition as very poor. He was highly anxious, slept little and suffered nightmares and flashbacks. When recalling the events, he experienced a rapid heartbeat, dizziness and the feeling “as if an earthquake were passing through his body”.

The psychologist said the victim had also been deeply worried about his daughter. According to his account, the defendants had threatened to harm her and said they knew where she lived.

Seven police officers involved in the investigation also gave evidence. The senior duty officer on shift when the case was first reported described the investigation’s opening days in South Iceland.

Police contacted Sigurður Gunnar, who said he had not seen the victim since Friday. They later received news that the victim was in hospital in Malta, followed by medical records documenting his injuries and his account of what had happened.

Police then decided to arrest Andri Már, Ingunn Rut and Sigurður. According to the officer, Sigurður was in Reykjavík and drove away after communicating with police. He was later stopped while driving and arrested.

During a search of Andri and Ingunn’s home in Kópavogur, both were arrested. The police officer who led the search said Andri appeared calm and composed.